Remembering Ozzy Osbourne
Geezer Butler, co-founder of Black Sabbath, has shared his memories of the band’s last concert with Ozzy Osbourne, which took place on July 5. In a post, Butler recalled the rehearsals for the show, which was held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England, close to Osbourne’s hometown.
Rehearsals and Concerns
Butler, along with fellow co-founders Tony Iommi and Bill Ward, had rehearsed for about a month before the show. When Osbourne joined them, Butler was struck by how frail he looked. "I knew that he was not in good health, but I was not ready to see how frail he was," Butler wrote. Despite this, the band was determined to make the show a success, and it ended up being a 10-hour concert with many celebrity appearances.
The Final Show
The concert, titled "Back to the Beginning," was a celebration of Black Sabbath’s music and legacy. For Butler, the strangest part of the show was the end, when the band typically would have hugged and bowed to the audience. However, Osbourne was seated on his throne, and the band didn’t know how to react. "Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was as strange as our story ending as history as it is," Butler wrote.
A Tribute to Ozzy
Butler also paid tribute to Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76. He remembered Osbourne’s early years and how he earned the nickname "The Prince of Darkness." However, Butler saw a different side of Osbourne, one that was full of laughter and humor. "For me, Ozzy was not the prince of darkness – if at all, he was the prince of laughter," Butler wrote. "He would do everything for a laugh, a born entertainer."
A Lasting Friendship
Butler and Osbourne had been inseparable friends for many years, and Butler remembered their time together fondly. "We became inseparable gun brothers and always looked at each other," he wrote. "People always thought that Ozzy was a wild man, but he had a heart of pure gold." Butler also praised the fans who attended the last concert, saying that their love and support were incredible.
A Celebration of Ozzy’s Life
The last concert was a celebration of Osbourne’s life and legacy, and Butler was grateful to have been a part of it. "The love of the fans and all the bands, musicians, singers and solo artists that evening was incredible," he wrote. "Everyone had come to pay homage to the prince." Butler, Iommi, and Ward also paid tribute to Osbourne on social media, along with other stars. Despite his passing, Osbourne’s memory will live on through his music and the countless fans who loved him.
